The University of West Florida fought for three quarters, but ultimately fell 35-18 to No. 25 West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama on Saturday evening.

The loss drops UWF to 5-3 (3-3) on the season while the Gulf South Conference-leading Tigers improved to 7-2 (6-1).

Here are five takeaways from the UWF loss:

1. Red zone woes holding UWF back

The Argos kicked four field goals while the Tigers scored five touchdowns. Plain and simple, UWF’s red zone struggles yet again proved fatal.

Kicker Austin Williams tied his school record with four field goals for the third time this season, a feat he’s certain to be proud of but one that’s indicative of a larger problem for UWF.

From quarterback Mike Beaudry’s accuracy (27-of-51) to a still-developing rushing attack, there are many things UWF can point to as possible solutions in the red zone.

Whatever answer they find could be the one that lets UWF’s offense take the next step.

2. Defense gave Argos a chance

UWF’s improvement under first-year defensive coordinator Darian Dulin showed over the first three quarters.

Whereas the Tigers scored 45 points over the first three quarters at Blue Wahoos Stadium last season, West Alabama had just 14 points entering the fourth quarter on Saturday.

The Tigers ultimately piled up 410 total yards – 108 coming in the fourth quarter – as the defense tired and the UWF offense committed turnovers while trying to find a response.

That said, the performance is surely cause for optimism in the context of UWF’s overall improvement.

3. Separation appears in fourth quarter

UWF trailed just 14-12 entering the fourth quarter but was outscored 21-6 in the final quarter of play.

Considering how West Alabama pummeled the Argos from the opening kickoff last season, standing toe-to-toe with the Tigers for three quarters is an obvious improvement.

It also illustrates what the next step for UWF will look like as West Alabama’s depth and conditioning eventually proved too much.

4. Crediting the possible conference champions

There is a very good chance that UWF just lost to the team that will ultimately win the Gulf South Conference.

Despite a loss to Florida Tech last week, West Alabama has just one conference loss on the season. Wins over Delta State, West Georgia and North Alabama assure them of a tiebreaker advantage with those schools.

None of that will matter, however, if West Alabama gets a win over Valdosta State next week in their final conference game of the season.

5. Searching for one last upset

UWF has two games remaining to clinch its first winning season in program history.

It won’t be easy as will require an upset over one of the conference’s best teams in West Georgia or North Alabama.

UNA is first on the schedule as the Lions come to Blue Wahoos Stadium next Saturday for a 4 p.m. kickoff.

Though UNA is the reigning Division II national runner-up, they entered Saturday with a below .500 record. That could be UWF’s best opportunity to find a sixth win.